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How to tackle the spring allergy season

The warm weather brings sunny afternoons, backyard BBQ’s, beach road trips and, of course, allergies. As we get further into spring, more and more pollen fills the air, triggering allergic reactions for both humans and our furry family members. Here are some tips on helping your fur baby get through the season comfortably.

How do I know if my pet is suffering from allergies?

Whereas we humans get the typical runny noses and sneezing, pets generally exhibit the same allergies through inflamed and irritated skin. You might start to notice red, irritated areas or even sores on their face, abdomen, back and thighs. This is usually coupled with increased scratching or licking in the affected area.

You may also notice the more typical human symptoms of:

Itchy ears

Watery eyes

Sneezing

Swelling in the face, ears and mouth area

What do I do if my pet is showing signs of an allergy?

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to take your pet in to see one of our veterinarians. At the clinic they will take a though history and complete and physical examination and may conduct a series of diagnostics tests and use a process of elimination to establish what is triggering the reaction, this makes it much easier to treat and manage.

The most common reasons for allergic reactions in your pet are:

Fleas and other parasites

Food allergy

Environmental allergy

Once you know the cause of the allergy it is important to eliminate the cause if possible or manage the environment to reduce the symptoms for your pet.

How do I manage my pet’s allergy?

After seeing your veterinarian to determine the cause of the allergy, they may prescribe medications or administer medication at the time of the consultation. They may also recommend specially formulated prescription food or therapeutic shampoos. It is important to administer the treatment following the advice given by your veterinarian to ensure your pet is as comfortable and healthy as possible. There are some other measures you can take to manage the allergy and try to prevent it from returning or from the symptoms getting worse.

You may think about using an air purifier in the room where your pet spends the most time